Crossword Genius

Late qualifier in race finally drawn (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead heat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'race finally drawn' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'late qualifier' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'dead' (similar in meaning).
'qualifier' becomes 'heat' (a heat is a qualifying round).
'dead'+'heat'='DEAD-HEAT'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dead heat that I've seen before include "Produce tie" , "Equality in finish of race" , "two are inseparable here" , "Tie for first place in race" , "'An exact tie in a race (4,4)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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